Holders Royston started shakily and conceded two tries within the first 10 minutes.

Skipper Jacob Boyce and flankers James Meacham and John Busher led the fightback with solid rucking and driving.

Rhys Redrup picked up a loose ball and scored Royston’s first try after an elusive run. Ben Ireland converted.

After good ball was presented to the centres by scrum half Dominic Dunklin, Redrup again outpaced the Hitchin defence to touch down. Ireland again converted to give Royston a 14-12 lead at half-time.

Replacements were brought on and it was one of these, Eddie Twyman, who scored the only try of the second half, touching down after a strong run following good work by the front row of Cameron Bonfield, Theo Pow and Callum Waring. Ben Ireland kicked his third conversion.

Royston’s fitness and team spirit saw them defend their lead successfully for the rest of the match.